We wait for God to perfect us for His glory. Only God can work His works in us, and through us. He has given His works to Jesus, who works His works in those who are surrendered.

"But even if I do judge, My judgment is true; for I am not alone in it, but I and the Father who sent Me." John 8:16

Characteristics of a Follower of Jesus Christ Fully Surrendered and Obedient to Jesus:

Love for God and Others: Exhibits a deep, unconditional love for God and loves others as themselves, reflecting Jesus’ commandment to love.

Humility: Demonstrates humility, putting others' needs above their own and not seeking their glory but God's.

Forgiveness: Willingly forgives others as God has forgiven them, letting go of grudges and resentment.

"For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I may take it back." John 10:17

Service-Oriented: Actively seeks opportunities to serve others, embodying Jesus' example as a servant.

Faithfulness: Remains steadfast in faith even in trials, trusting God’s promises and provision.

"No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it back. This commandment I received from My Father.” John 10:18

Patience and Long-Suffering: Shows patience and endurance through difficulties, trusting in God's timing and plan.

"And the one who sees Me sees Him who sent Me." John 12:45

Obedience to God's Word: Lives following Scripture, showing a commitment to follow God's commands and teachings.

Joy and Peace: Maintains a deep sense of joy and peace that comes from a relationship with Jesus, even in challenging circumstances.

"I have come as Light into the world, so that no one who believes in Me will remain in darkness." John 12:46

Self-control: People exercise control over their desires and impulses, choosing to live by the Spirit rather than by fleshly inclinations.

Generosity: Gives freely of their time, resources, and talents, reflecting God's generous nature.

"For I did not speak on My own, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me a commandment as to what to say and what to speak." John 12:49

Characteristics NOT Christlike and Fleshly:

Pride and Arrogance: Believing oneself to be superior to others, seeking self-glory rather than glorifying God.

Unforgiveness: Holding onto grudges, bitterness, and resentment towards others.

"And I know that His commandment is eternal life; therefore the things I speak, I speak just as the Father has told Me.” John 12:50

Selfishness: Putting one's own needs and desires above those of others, lacking compassion.

Impatience: Demonstrating a lack of tolerance and quickness to anger over minor inconveniences or during trials.

“Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me." John 14:1

Disobedience to God's Word: Ignoring or outright rejecting the teachings and commands found in Scripture.

Anxiety and Fear: Living in a state of worry and fear, lacking trust in God’s sovereignty and goodness.

"Jesus *said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me." John 14:6

Lack of Self-Control: Giving in to temptations and desires of the flesh, leading to sinful behaviors.

Envy and Jealousy: Coveting what others have, leading to discontentment and strife.

"If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him.” John 14:7

Harshness and Cruelty: Speaking and acting in ways that hurt others, lacking gentleness and love in interactions.

Greed: An insatiable desire for more, whether money, possessions, or status, at the expense of others' well-being.

"Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own, but the Father, as He remains in Me, does His works." John 14:10

A follower of Jesus Christ, fully surrendered and obedient, reflects the fruit of the Spirit in their life, whereas characteristics driven by the flesh are contrary to the nature and teachings of Jesus.

"Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; otherwise believe because of the works themselves." John 14:11

As we stand at the crossroads of history, faced with the choice of self or surrender, Jesus's urgent call rings out, summoning us to a higher purpose.

"Truly, truly I say to you, the one who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I am going to the Father." John 14:12

Jesus’ invitation is not merely an invitation to follow; it is a mandate to lose ourselves in the boundless ocean of God's love, where true strength is found not in dominion, but in submission.

"And whatever you ask in My name, this I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son." John 14:13

The Scriptures have laid before us a path less trodden, marked by the footprints of the Savior who embraced the cross with joy for the joy set before Him. Let us, therefore, take up our crosses, not as burdens, but as bridges to a life of unparalleled fulfillment and divine destiny.

"If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it." John 14:14

In this act of total surrender, where the fire of His love consumes our wills, we discover the power of Jesus' humility, obedience, strength, and power working through us. It's here, in our submission, that the true essence of servanthood blossoms, revealing the beauty of a life yielded to God.

“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." John 14:15

Let us then move boldly forward, embracing our weaknesses as platforms for His strength, our failures as canvases for His Grace, and our lives as vessels of His glory.

"I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (the Holy Spirit), so that He may be with you forever;" John 14:16

By laying down our lives, we step into the endless possibilities of His purpose for us, becoming conduits of His love, mercy, and power to a world in need.

"the Helper is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him; but you know Him because He remains with you and will be in you." John 14:17

This is our call to action: to live not for ourselves but for Him who died and was raised for us. To step out in faith, knowing that in our complete surrender, His obedience flows through us, transforming us into beacons of hope and agents of change.

"I will not leave you as orphans; I am coming to you." John 14:18

Let us rise, a mighty army of humble servants, to carry the light of Christ into the darkness, to serve as He served, to love as He loved, and to glorify our Father in heaven in all that we do.

"After a little while, the world no longer is going to see Me, but you are going to see Me; because I live, you also will live." John 14:19

For in losing our lives for His sake, we find the true essence of life itself. Let us embrace this divine paradox with joy, and in doing so, may we reflect the image of Christ to a world that desperately needs to see Him.

"On that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you are in Me, and I in you.The one who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and the one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will reveal Myself to him.” John 14:20-21

The End of Carnal Christianity?

A concerning trend has emerged within the Christian church, marked by an increasing inclination towards carnality and consumerism.

"Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will follow My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our dwelling with him." John 14:23

This shift has led to a form of Christianity that prioritizes personal comfort and convenience over the sacrificial and service-oriented life that Jesus exemplified.

"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and remind you of all that I said to you." John 14:26

The resultant 'consumer Christian' church is characterized by a quest for spiritual experiences that require minimal commitment, an emphasis on receiving rather than giving, and a selective adherence to biblical teachings that suit personal preferences.

"For I did not speak to your fathers, or command them on the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, concerning burnt offerings and sacrifices. But this is what I commanded them, saying, ‘Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you will be My people; and you shall walk entirely in the way which I command you, so that it may go well for you.’" Jeremiah 7:22-23

The root causes of this carnal tendency are manifold. One significant factor is the pervasive influence of contemporary culture, which champions self-gratification and individualism.

"Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered." Hebrews 5:8

This ethos has subtly permeated the church, diluting the gospel's radical demands for self-denial and wholehearted devotion to God and others.

"And having been perfected, He became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey Him," Hebrews 5:9

Additionally, there's a growing reluctance to confront sin and call for repentance, coupled with a penchant for watered-down messages that aim to comfort rather than challenge the congregation.

"We are destroying arguments and all arrogance raised against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ," 2 Corinthians 10:5

The allure of numerical growth and societal relevance has, in some cases, overshadowed the church's primary mission to make disciples and transform lives.

"So also it is written: “The first man, Adam, became a living person .” The last Adam was a life-giving spirit." 1 Corinthians 15:45

The solution to this profound challenge is a return to the foundational principles of our faith, centered on absolute surrender to Jesus and obedience to His teachings.

"For it is because of these things that the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience," Colossians 3:6

This requires a grace-fueled transformation that transcends mere human effort, where God's love becomes the driving force behind every action.

"through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles in behalf of His name," Romans 1:5

As believers genuinely submit to Jesus' lordship, embracing His model of humility, service, and sacrifice, the Holy Spirit empowers them to live out the radical obedience called for in the scriptures.

"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ," Romans 5:1

This transformation process comprehensively reorientates priorities and values, aligning them with God's kingdom agenda.

"through whom we also have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we celebrate in hope of the glory of God." Romans 5:2

It necessitates a departure from spiritual consumerism towards a lifestyle marked by generous giving, servant leadership, and unconditional love for God and neighbor.

"and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:5

As followers of Christ earnestly seek to embody His character and teachings, they become conduits of His life, love, and power, reflecting the image of the New Humanity God intended.

"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

The journey towards becoming a New Humanity involves individual and collective repentance, a steadfast commitment to discipleship, and an unwavering focus on the Great Commission.

"Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him." Romans 5:9

It's a path marked by challenges and opposition, yet it promises unparalleled joy and fulfillment in participating in God's redemptive work in the world.

"For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life." Romans 5:10

As the church reclaims its identity as the body of Christ, fully surrendered and obedient, it will not only counteract the prevailing carnality but also usher in a revival that transforms society from the inside out, thereby fulfilling God's grand design for humanity.

"Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who had not sinned in the likeness of the violation committed by Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come."
Romans 5:14

Hear this final call, a SHINING LIGHT and a testament to the transformative power of our Lord, to the faithful followers of Jesus Christ.

"But the gracious gift is not like the offense. For if by the offense of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many." Romans 5:15

Let us stand firm in our faith, unwavering in our conviction, and steadfast in our commitment to the path Jesus laid before us.

"The gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned; for on the one hand the judgment arose from one offense, resulting in condemnation, but on the other hand the gracious gift arose from many offenses, resulting in justification." Romans 5:16

We are called to BELIEVE, to anchor our lives in the truth of Christ's love, mercy, and grace. In the act of believing, we open our hearts to the infinite possibilities of God's kingdom and allow the seeds of faith to take root and flourish within us.

"For if by the offense of the one, death reigned through the one, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ." Romans 5:17

Exercising faith in Christ is not a passive endeavor but a dynamic and active pursuit of His presence, promises, and power in our lives.

"So then, as through one offense the result was condemnation to all mankind, so also through one act of righteousness the result was justification of life to all mankind." Romans 5:18

"For as through the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous." But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:19

Faith propels us forward, guiding us through the trials and tribulations of this world with the assurance that we are never alone.

"so that, as sin reigned in death, so also grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 5:21

Jesus, our Shepherd, our Savior, walks with us, leading us to still waters and restoring our souls.

"For the death that He (Jesus) died, He died to sin once for all time; but the life that He lives, He lives to God." Romans 6:10

In every moment of doubt, fear, or despair, let us remember to turn our eyes to Jesus, for it is in Him that we find the strength to overcome.

"So you too, consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus." Romans 6:11

And as we journey with Jesus, let us wait patiently in His humility. For it is in our surrender, in our acknowledgment of our own weakness, that His strength is made perfect.

"Therefore sin is not to reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts," Romans 6:12

The work He does in and through us is not by might nor by power but by His Spirit.

"and do not go on presenting the parts of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those who are alive from the dead, and your body’s parts as instruments of righteousness for God." Romans 6:13

This transformative work is a divine process that unfolds in God's perfect timing and according to His perfect plan.

"For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under the Law but under grace." Romans 6:14

As Humble Servants of God, let us embrace the beauty of this waiting, finding joy and peace in the knowledge that He who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion.

"Do you not know that the one to whom you present yourselves as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of that same one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness?" Romans 6:16

Let us believe with all our hearts, exercise our faith with courage, and wait with joyful expectation. For in doing so, we become living testimonies of God's unfailing love and grace, shining lights in a world in desperate need of hope.

"But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were entrusted," Romans 6:17

Together, as the body of Christ, let us move forward in unity and purpose, confident in the promise that the best is yet to come, for our God is faithful, and His love endures forever.

"and after being freed from sin, you became slaves to righteousness." Romans 6:18

Scripture Soak

"I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented the parts of your body as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your body’s parts as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification." Romans 6:19

"Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus," Philippians 2:5

"And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death: death on a cross." Philippians 2:8

"For this reason also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name," Philippians 2:9

"For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother, and sister, and mother." Matthew 12:50

"“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter." Matthew 7:21

"See, I am placing before you today a blessing and a curse: the blessing, if you listen to the commandments of the Lord your God, which I am commanding you today; and the curse, if you do not listen to the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside from the way which I am commanding you today, by following other gods which you have not known." Deuteronomy 11:26-28

"As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance," 1 Peter 1:14

"but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior;" 1 Peter 1:15

"then He said, “Behold, I have come to do Your will.” He takes away the first in order to establish the second." Hebrews 10:9

"Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine;" Exodus 19:5

"and said, “By Myself I have sworn, declares the Lord, because you have done this thing and have not withheld your son, your only son, indeed I will greatly bless you, and I will greatly multiply your seed as the stars of the heavens and as the sand, which is on the seashore; and your seed shall possess the gate of their enemies. And in your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” Genesis 22:16-18

"Live for a time in this land and I will be with you and bless you, for to you and to your descendants I will give all these lands, and I will establish the oath which I swore to your father Abraham. I will multiply your descendants as the stars of heaven, and will give your descendants all these lands; and by your descendants all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, 5because Abraham obeyed Me and fulfilled his duty to Me, and kept My commandments, My statutes, and My laws.” Genesis 26:3-6

"By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he left, not knowing where he was going." Hebrews 11:8

"But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men." Acts 5:29

"And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.” Acts 5:32

"Therefore, ridding yourselves of all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls." James 1:21

"But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not just hearers who deceive themselves." James 1:22

"But many who are first will be last; and the last, first." Matthew 19:30

"But many who are first will be last, and the last, first.” Mark 10:31